Sunday, February 19, 2023

My Thoughts -Ellie’s Escape Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

About the Book

Book: Ellie’s Escape

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 25, 2022

She’s running for her life. He needs a trophy wife. They didn’t count on falling in love.

Ellie Wagner is fine being a spinster school teacher. Then she witnesses a bank hold up and can identify the bandits. Fellow robbery victim Milly Crenshaw happens to run the Westward Home & Hearts Matrimonial Agency so she arranges for Ellie to head West as a mail-order bride. But her groom only wants a business arrangement. Can she survive a loveless marriage?

Banker Julian Sheffield is more comfortable with numbers than with people, but he’s done well for himself. Then the bank president tells him that in order to advance further he must marry in six weeks’ time. The candid, unsophisticated woman sent by the agency is nothing like he expected, but time is running out. When her past comes calling, does he have what it takes to ensure their future?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame). Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader,

One of my favorite tropes to use in a story is the proverbial “fish out of water,” so when it came time for me to brainstorm the idea for Ellie’s Escape, I made a list of situations that would be uncomfortable for my protagonists (see what we writers do to our poor characters?).

As a result, I sent my female protagonist from the crowded city of Boston, Massachusetts (population 362,000) to the remote reaches of Gunnison, Colorado (population 888) where because of its location in the Rocky Mountains is one of the coldest places in winter in the United States. Compared to Boston’s elevation of 141’, Gunnison’s elevation of over 7,700 feet had to seem dizzying to my poor girl. The research into Gunnison was very fun, and I was able to use my boss as a subject matter expert because he’d lived there for several years before moving to New Hampshire. I gave my painfully shy male protagonist a gregarious mail-order bride that he doesn’t quite know what to do with.

Here are a few fun facts about Gunnison:

The Gunnison River drops an average of forty-three feet per mile through Black Canyon which is SIX times more than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Standing at 2,250 feet from river to rim, Black Canyon’s Painted Wall is the tallest cliff in Colorado, and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building.
The town is named for a man who only stayed for three days – explorer John W. Gunnison who was searching for a route for the transcontinental railroad.
A little-known site for gold and silver mining, Gunnison and the surrounding area produced a reported 130,000 ounces of gold.
Gunnison residents isolated themselves during the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918. All highways were barricaded near the county lines, and train conductors warned passengers that if they got off the train in Gunnison, they’d be arrested and quarantined for five days.

Comment and name a fun fact about where you live for your chance to win the grand prize.

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

My Thoughts

Ellie’s Escape is written by Linda Shenton Matchett. This is part of the Westward Home and Hearts Mail Order Brides series. I have not read any other books in the series. This can be read as a stand alone. One of the things that I love about this author is all the historical details she puts into her book. She really makes sure she brings history to life. This book is set in 1878.

Ellie was left at the alter and has accepted the fact that she will be a spinster. One day she goes into the bank to open up an account with her savings and the bank is robbed. She sees one of their faces and is threatened. Milly Crenshaw the owner of Westward Home and Hearts matrimonial agency overhears it and suggests Ellie as a mail order bride. Ellie agrees.

Julian has worked hard to get where he is in the banking world. He is a young bank manager and hopes to become president some day. However his boss has informed him that he needs to take a wife if he wants to see his career advance. He does not know one thing about women. The bank president has already placed an add with the Westward Home and Hearts agency.

When Ellie and Julian meet they do not get off tons good start. He starts to criticize her right away. She is worried that she has made a mistake. They are married right away and they soon settle into a routine. I just love mail order bride books. I love seeing how the characters get to know each other. Ellie has a strong Christian faith while Julian doubts God listens.

This is a sweet historical novella. The book moves fast but the author does a wonderful job with her story. The author is one of my favorite historical fiction authors.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 8

For Him and My Family, February 9

Betti Mace, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 12

Christina’s Corner, February 12

Book Looks by Lisa, February 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 14

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

deb’s Book Review, February 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 18

Connie’s History Classroom, February 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20

Mary Hake, February 20

Holly’s Book Corner, February 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/242a2/ellie-s-escape-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, February 18, 2023

My Thoughts - A Life Reclaimed Author: Olivia Rae

About the Book

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

A Scoundrel, A Spy, and A Secret. Will She Ever Learn the Truth?

Desperate to avoid a second loveless marriage, Anne Howell hides out in a cave on the Welsh coast. If she can get to England, she should be safe from her stepfather’s long reaching hand. She thinks her prayers are answered when she rescues a shipwrecked sailor, Thomas Armstrong, who agrees to help her, claiming he has ties to Queen Elizabeth I. Though she fears he may be an accomplished liar, she has no choice but to trust him, especially when a secret from her past puts spies on her trail and threatens to destroy her future.

Upon learning his true mother was executed in place of a dethroned queen, Thomas Armstrong sets out to find the cowardly monarch and avenge his mother’s death. Broke and in debt, he is finally on the verge of reaching his goal when his ship goes down in a storm and he ends up owing his life to the honest and forthright Anne Howell. He fears his quest is finished – until he learns there are those who would pay handsomely to have Anne in their possession, enough to clear his debt and enable him to pursue the revenge he seeks. But in helping Anne he has lost his heart, and now faces a devastating choice – remain loyal to his goal of avenging his mother or follow his feelings to an uncertain future with Anne.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories.

Olivia is the winner of the Book Buyers Best Award, Angel Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award, the American Fiction Award, and is a gold and bronze medalist in the Illumination Awards.

More from Olivia

I’ve always been drawn to English history and back in 2009, I was blessed to visit London with my daughter. We immersed ourselves in the area’s rich history by going to museums, visiting Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Temple Church, and so much more. Of course, a tour of the city wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the Tower of London. There I learned about the tragic and short life of Lady Jane Grey, who was the queen of England for nine days.

Later that day, I found a postcard that displayed the famous painting, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche. My mind started racing and the seeds for the Secrets of the Queens series took root. I wondered what would’ve happened if Lady Jane Grey had lived. A Life Reclaimed, the third book in the Secrets of the Queens, is not about Lady Jane Grey per se, but it follows the story of a young man whose life has been changed because of her escape from death.

I hope you enjoy my tale of mystery, intrigue, and love as much as I enjoyed writing it.

My Thoughts

A Life Reclaimed is a Christian Historical Fiction book that is written by Olivia Rae. This is book three in the Secrets of the Queen series. I have not read the whole series but I did not have any problems following along. One of the things that I love about this author is the way she transports you back in history.

Anne Howell is trying to avoid a loveless marriage and a not so nice step father. She decides to hide and try and get to England. My heart really went out to Anne. She really did not want to go into the marriage. Thomas Armstrong is shocked to hear his mother was executed in place of the dethroned queen. He agrees to help Anne. They both are holding so much back and Anne is not sure she can trust him. Thomas is a thief, but wants to protect Anne.

I really liked the author's message about God's unconditional love. Seeing Anne share her faith to Thomas was heartwarming.

The characters are well written and I was lost in the story within the first few pages. I do not know a lot about this time period, and I felt like I learned a lot.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Worthy2Read, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 15

For Him and My Family, February 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

Cover Lover Book Review, February 17

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 20

Pause for Tales, February 21

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize of a themed gift box!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/242a3/a-life-reclaimed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

My Thoughts -Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age #2 Counterfeit Hope written by Crystal Caudill

About the Book

Book: Counterfeit Hope

Author: Crystal Caudill

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: February 14, 2023

Trapped by their pasts, is there hope for a future?

When Secret Service operative Andrew Darlington is brought in to support a US Marshal case involving counterfeiters in rural Indiana, he thinks it's simply the next rung on his climb to the top of his career. But liars can only climb so high--and Andrew is keeping a dangerous secret he doesn't ever want to get out. When he clashes with the criminal family that took over the town of Landkreis and killed the Marshal he was sent to assist, his past life is in danger of being exposed.

Widow Lightning Lu Thorne has only one goal: escape the clutches of the Thorne family with her son. Her decision to be an informant and testify against the Thornes looked like the perfect answer. Until the Marshal ended up dead. Now the tether keeping her tied to her felonious family is tightening, and a forced marriage to someone else in the Thornes' clutches threatens to kill any hope of escape.

Andrew and Lu find themselves on the same team--unwillingly. They each believe the other to be the enemy to their future plans. And even if they could learn to work together, the secrets they hold could shatter all hopes and dreams. Despite the encouragement of the local preacher, they're not even sure God can be trusted--much less other humans. Can either of them escape their past--and the family that is willing to kill their own when they smell betrayal?

On the heels of her smashing debut, this second entry in Crystal Caudill's historical series maintains the excitement that readers of Michelle Griep, Liz Tolsma, and Elizabeth Camden will love.

About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://crystalcaudill.com/

Newsletter Sign-Up: https://bitly.com/CaudillNews

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystalcaudillauthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/.../crystalcaudillsreadingfriends/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalcaudillauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CCaudillAuthor

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/crystalcaudillauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/crystal-caudill

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crystalcaudillauthor/

My Thoughts

Counterfeit Hope is book two in the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series that is written by Crystal Caudill. This book can be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job filling in back stories on characters that were introduced in book one. This book is set in 1884.

Lu Thorne is a widow. Her husband is part of a crime family that has taken over Landkreis, Indiana town. The Thorne family will stop at nothing to ensure that their family is in control. Especially Ma Thorne. Lu has had a rough life. She was previously a lady of the night and has suffered abuse at the hands of the Thorne family. Her son, Oscar is the only thing that is keeping her going. She dreams of a life where she can escape their grasps.

Andrew Darlington is a Secret Service agent. He is brought in to investigate an counterfeit coin/bill ring that they are 100% sure that the Throne family is behind. He also has had a past that he has to overcome, and he is worried that his identity will be compromised if he lets his guard down. Andrew is not a fan of Lu in the beginning. She pickpockets both Andrew and his partner, Josiah.

They are thrown together and find themselves having to work together, both think the other is the enemy. Lu desperately wants to break free and start fresh with her son, Oscar. Andrew wants to bring down the counterfeiters and come to terms with his past.

This book is a must read. I have read book one - and was happy to see pervious characters return. The characters are well written and well developed. The author has written a beautiful story of forgiveness, trusting God and Redemption. No matter how far you have fallen from God, HE will always welcome you back with open arms. The author has woven in a powerful message within the pages of her story.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Monday, February 13, 2023

My Thoughts Rachael’s Decision Author: Molly Jebber

About the Book

Book: Rachael’s Decision

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Romance

Release date: January 24, 2023

In 1915 Ohio, anyone entering the Amish Charm Bakery is greeted by the sweet warmth and delicious fragrance of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from freshly baked cookies and pies. And newcomers to this Amish community will find friendship on the menu, too—and perhaps for a lucky few, even lasting love . . .

Rachael Schlabach’s first chance for a husband ended in a tragic accident that left her with a limp. Though happy to work in the beloved Amish Charm Bakery, she hasn’t abandoned her romantic dreams, but she has focused on a widower with two adorable
kinner she would love to raise as her own. Then handsome, single Caleb Yutzy arrives on the scene.

Caleb is eager to court pretty, warm-hearted Rachael, and tells her so. But their frank conversations reveal a truth that dashes her hopes—Caleb very much wants kinner, the one thing Rachael can’t give him. Even when Caleb assures her it’s no matter, she can’t bring herself to be so selfish. Yet love is beyond all planning, and with faith Rachael and Caleb may discover the lifetime of love they were meant to share . . .

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebberis a best-selling and award-winning author of Amish Historical Romance. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten lists, USA Today’s HEA, featured in live video on Naples News, many media outlets across the U.S. You’ll find her books on most stores the first three months of their release across the U.S, UK, Canada, and more. She’s been interviewed on television, and she’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, other women’s professional organizations, and she offers presentations on writing, agent or no agent, publishing, and marketing.

She also speaks about the Amish lifestyles and traditions. She says the most rewarding part about writing stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a full list of her books (and options of stores to buy them), speaking events and recipes. Her book, Liza’s Second Chance, is being made into a movie for Sony/Pureflix.

She loves God, her family, and friends and Florida sunshine. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

More from Molly

Rachael in Rachael’s Decision has a limp. You’ll be surprised why when you read the story!

Rachael’s Decision is the sixth book in my Amish Charm Bakery Series. Each book can be read as a standalone. But if you read them in order, you’ll recognize how their lives intertwine. You’ll remember the sheriff and Dr. Harrison, and why they matter, and you’ll fall in love with Charm, Ohio.

Liza’s Second Chance

Ellie’s Redemption

Hannah’s Courage

Maryann’s Hope

Magdelena’s Choice

Rachael’s Decision

I loved writing this series in a bakery setting, except I gained weight just reading about the desserts and found myself craving cakes and cookies. Rachael has an interesting past, and she has a loving heart. You’ll want to laugh with her and root for her. You’ll love Caleb, and you’ll root for him, too! This book has twists, turns, and it’s full of surprises.

The most fun I have is meeting readers like you who I consider friends through social media, at conferences, and that I’ve met at Amish talks, Amish Girlfriend Getaways, and many other places. If I wasn’t writing and speaking, I would’ve never meet people like you. That’s what keeps me writing. Thank you so much for your interest in my books.

My daughter, Misty, had a little girl, Jolene, and she’s keeping me busy, and she’s so much fun. Some days, she on my lap and we write together! Thank you for joining me here today! I hope you’ll connect with me on Facebook!

My Thoughts

Rachael’s Decision is written by Molly Jebber. This book is part of the Amish Charm Bakery Series. While I’ve read the entire series, this book can be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job in filling out any backstories. This book is set in 1915.

Rachael was in a horrible accident that left her with a noticeable limp and some other scarring. She also lost her fiancé in this accident. She has resigned herself to work in the Amish Charm Bakery. She also assists her neighbor, Nathan after his wife passes away. She loves his children.

One day she meets Caleb. He is new to town and the two of them are drawn to each other instantly. Caleb lives with his brother and sister in law. He has dreams of buying his own farm and land some day. Their courtship moves along fast. Then everything comes crashing around them.

Caleb is faced with unspeakable pain and has to reconfigure some of his plans. Rachael knows she needs to tell him about the extent of some of his injuries to ensure they walk into a life time with no secrets. Rachael is worried that marrying Caleb will deprive him of having his own family.

I loved these characters. Caleb was so in love with Rachael that he wasn’t taking no for an answer. I wasn’t thrilled with Frannie, his sister in law. While the Amish do not pay attention to what goes on in the outside world the author did a great job bringing in real world events to the story.

Thank You to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lighthouse Academy, February 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 7

For Him and My Family, February 8

deb’s Book Review, February 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 9

Holly’s Book Corner, February 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 10

She Lives to Read, February 11

Older & Smarter?, February 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 12

Cover Lover Book Review, February 13

Connie’s History Classroom, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

The Avid Reader, February 15

Girls in White Dresses, February 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and copy of Rachael’s Decision!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23d5d/rachael-s-decision-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, February 9, 2023

My Thoughts - The Winnowing Fork Author: Betty Ruth Weatherby

The Winnowing Fork Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: The Winnowing Fork

Author: Betty Ruth Weatherby

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: September, 2022

NEW CHRISTIAN NOVEL FILLED WITH ADVENTURE

ZACCHAEUS EXPERIENCES ROMAN OCCUPATION AND THE FAMILY SHAME OF LEPROSY AS HE SURVIVES IN THE HISTORICAL SETTING OF 2000 YEARS AGO.

Betty Ruth Weatherby travels the world and uses her experiences to create the Biblical Fiction of “The Winnowing Fork” to convey the message of God’s sustaining, eternal love.

The tax collector’s mother is banned with a skin disease when his father is conscripted by the occupying Roman army.

Follow Zacchaeus as he grows to love the sound and glitter of gold coins while his greed consumes him, overcoming even his love of family.

Zacchaeus in his lonely, self-isolation discovers that the real author of peace and serenity is in a man called Jesus whose father is God himself. Jesus passes through Jericho on his way to Passover in Jerusalem.

Zacchaeus tries to see through the crowd as the entourage passes:

“He yanked the leaves back again, and found the Rabbi looking at him,

His eyes fastened on Zacchaeus.”

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Betty Ruth Weatherby is a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus. She earned her teacher’s credential from Chapman University as well as a cross-cultural language and academic development certificate from Sacramento State University. Weatherby has sold her books across America. She is the author of the Lanover Adventure Series, Pepper’s children’s series and excels in Women’s Adventures. Women can travel the world as part of God’s Plan to enjoy life at its fullest and step out in faith.

Weatherby was born in the shipbuilding community of Sausalito, California and writes from a world of experience in fulfilling the Christian walk. Her most recent novel “The Girl on the Tombstone” is a nostalgic historical piece based in San Andreas, California where she grew up and attended Calaveras High School.

More from Betty Ruth

Zacchaeus was always a puzzle to me. How did he become a hated tax collector and only

One meeting with Jesus turned his life around. So, I imagined a story, gave him a family and neighbors to create a life around him as he accumulated his “taxes.”

My Thoughts

The Winnowing Fork is a Biblical Fiction book that is written by Betty Ruth Weatherby. This is a fictional retelling of the story of Zacchaeus - which is found in Luke 19. Zacchaeus is one of my favorite transformations in the Bible.

The author did a great job on creating a back story for Zacchaeus - a troubled childhood and other events that led him to be greedy and a tax collector. He was hated/disliked by many, for he was a Jewish man collecting from his own people for the Romans. I thought the author did a great job in creating the scene with lots of descriptions and details to bring this part of history to life.

The book is well written, the storyline easy to follow. This is my first book that I have read by this author and it will not be my last. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.